Although the summer transfer window is only just over a week old, patience among Manchester United's supporters is beginning to wear thin.
Impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing takeover situation, it has been a slow start to the off-season for the Reds. With the exception of tabling a couple of bids for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, it is fair to say that not an awful lot has happened so far.
United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Wednesday, have lodged a second and improved bid for Mount, understood to be worth up to £50million. However, Chelsea are still demanding that little bit more, meaning work is still to be done to try and lure the England international to Old Trafford.
That, however, is as good as it has got for United so far. The Glazers' indecisiveness in the takeover saga means that uncertainty surrounds the size of manager Erik ten Hag's transfer kitty.
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Nevertheless, that has not stopped the rumour mill from flying around at a relentless pace, connecting United with just about every player who would be capable of filling one of the positions they want to strengthen between now and the window closing at 11pm on Friday, September 1.
As well as wanting to bring in a new midfielder, Ten Hag has, of course, prioritised the signing of a world-class striker. Hopes of signing Harry Kane appear to be going nowhere, meaning the Reds are continuing to run the rule over alternative targets, including Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, who is likely to be one of the most attainable options from the shortlist the club has drawn up.
Ten Hag also wants to recruit a new goalkeeper. Initially, it was expected that United would be on the hunt for a new back-up option to provide both cover and competition for David de Gea. Now, though, they are on the hunt for a new No.1 after it emerged that De Gea is increasingly unlikely to sign a new contract.
Inter Milan ace Andre Onana, who worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, has immediately been installed as one of the favourites and it is a move that would make a lot of sense because of his quality with the ball at his feet. It is reported that Inter will demand around £50million to consider selling him.
Therefore, with speculation hotting up and United looking to make advances in their quest to sign Mount, MEN Sport has taken a close look at how the Reds could line up at the start of next season if they secure the signatures of the aforementioned trio.
Goalkeeper - Andre Onana
Onana excelled in his debut season at Inter during the 2022/23 campaign and would be a sensible purchase, if United are able to lure him to Old Trafford. At the age of 27, his prime years as a goalkeeper are still to come and he has proven that he would add the levels of distribution that Ten Hag is after in a goalkeeper.
Defence - Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
It is in defence where very little work, if any, is needed at United this summer, certainly as a priority. Varane, Martinez and Shaw are guaranteed starters, while Wan-Bissaka will be hoping to retain the right-back berth after a strong end to the 2022/23 season.
The prospect of a new right-back coming in cannot be ruled out completely, but it is certainly not a primary mission that United must complete at this stage. Diogo Dalot will also be aiming to be in contention for a starting berth.
Midfield - Casemiro, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes
While Casemiro and Fernandes are guaranteed starters in the engine room, the roaming No.8 role is up for grabs. Christian Eriksen starred in it for much of the 2022/23 campaign but clearly tired towards the end of the season, highlighting the need for fresh legs.
Mount, who favours playing in that role, would be an ideal successor for the Dane to become part of Ten Hag's strongest midfield trio. He has the energy to get up and down the pitch and provide support in both directions.
Attack - Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford
After United splashed north of £85million on Antony last summer and Rashford bagged 30 goals, those two are guaranteed to remain Ten Hag's first-choice wingers. The biggest task the club faces, though, is finding a suitable option to play between them.
Hojlund, 20, has been identified as a key target and has already held discussions with Ten Hag. With the size of United's budget unclear and their hopes of signing Kane dwindling, the Dane could be their most realistic option to spearhead the attack.
